LAS VEGAS — David Benavidez has confirmed his intention to remain at the 200lb cruiserweight limit, effectively ending any possibility of a future bout against unified light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol. The 29-year-old, who previously held the WBC light-heavyweight title, stated he no longer plans to compete at 175lbs.
“I feel great at this weight class. I don’t have to lose weight; I’ve never felt as good as I did in my last fight,” Benavidez told The Ring’s Mike Coppinger. Benavidez, who secured WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles with a sixth-round stoppage of Gilberto Ramirez in May, indicated he intends to hold his current belts for an extended period, though he remains open to a potential move to heavyweight for a fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Benavidez is scheduled to face Michal Cieslak for the WBC cruiserweight title on December 12. The division landscape continues to shift following Jai Opetaia’s ninth-round stoppage victory over Noel Mikaelian, a result that may lead to Mikaelian being stripped of his belt. Benavidez has identified Opetaia as a potential 2027 opponent should he successfully consolidate three of the four major titles in his upcoming bout.